Shooting at Bass Lake-Public land

[Quickdraw559]

Hey guys. Been looking for a nice spot to shoot in my area. It's been a little tough since I'm too cheap to buy a BLM map, one reason being I've heard they are slightly outdated. Anyway, I decided to check out the Bass Lake public area, but I'm not exactly sure where it is.

I was digging in the archives, and found a post that had a link to what may be it, but I was looking for a confirmation from another member, just to be sure.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=bass+lake,+ca+maps&ll=37.343409,-119.589239&spn=0.003442,0.006968&hnear=Bass+Lake,+Madera,+California&gl=us&t=h&z=18

[Eljay]

It apparently has facebook checkins... https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bass-...89750487713218

[Capybara]

Interesting, I was just up at Bass Lake last week with my in-laws, had no idea there was a range there.

We usually go to http://www.sunmountaingunclub.com/ Nice owners, good people shoot there, great trap fields and sporting clays course. They also have pistol and 100-200 yard rifle range there, highly recommended.

[peopleofthesun]

Been there several times. Not really for rifles. Mostly shotgun and handguns. Try to leave with more than you came if you go. I'm thinking of setting up another clean up before winter kicks in.

[mif_slim]

Yeah, I went there a few times. Please bring out more then you packed in, please!

[Quickdraw559]

Wow, I had no idea about the facebook thing. I don't even have one, haha. But comparing the 2 maps, it seems to be the place. But, can anyone actually confirm that it's the spot?

Thanks.

[Renaissance Redneck]

There are tens-of-thousands of acres of National Forest around Bass Lake. Just find a safe place, and shoot! That's what I do. I have several favorite shooting spots only a short drive from Bass Lake.

[peopleofthesun]

Wow, I had no idea about the facebook thing. I don't even have one, haha. But comparing the 2 maps, it seems to be the place. But, can anyone actually confirm that it's the spot?

Thanks.

Yes that is one of the places up there. The most used I believe.

[JimFromTheWoods]

I'd assuredly be in for a clean-up/shoot at the Bass Lake range. I've been coming up here for my entire life, and I had no idea such a nice little shooting spot was so close. I'd always heard the gunfire and assumed it was just hunting when I was younger, before I got into shooting.

My family even has a house on the lake.

[Quickdraw559]

I'm in too! Work schedule permitting.

I didn't get out there, but how is the shooting as far as .22 lr goes? Wanting to take a few different guns up there.

[JimFromTheWoods]

Well it's about an 80 yard range at the furthest point it seemed, that's my rough estimation. I don't see why it wouldn't be sufficient for 22lr fun. As some folks in other threads said, if you're working with a larger group of people, don't expect to be able to sit at the back and sight in or something.

[Quickdraw559]

Darn. I guess I'll have to head up a weekday then. I work from 5pm to 4 or 5 am just about every day, so maybe I could head home and take a shower and nap, then go up around 8am.

Is it very crowded on weekday mornings? And how is the road? I don't have a truck right now so I'll be headed in on 6 cylinders and less than a foot off the ground.

[JimFromTheWoods]

I don't really know about how crowded it is, but you won't be able to drive right up to it in what you've described. There is a small lot at the bottom of the road, right off of 222, that should be sufficient, then it's less than a 1/4 mile uphill hike to the spot itself.

Here's a GoogleMaps image of it and the distances involved: http://goo.gl/maps/BpoeN

Additionally, I've got a flexible work schedule, so if you'd ever like a shooting buddy, I'm not far away. I've only got a few things, but shooting is always fun.

[Quickdraw559]

Ohhhh, now I see. I thought that first dirt area was just somewhere to turn around or something. Thanks for that clarification.

And yea I'll let you know when I head up there. Shouldn't be too long from now. I've just been busy with work and I need my shut eye if I'm working there, haha.

[peopleofthesun]

It gets crowded at times but mostly on weekends. Just communicate with your fellow shooters on when its clear to check/change targets. I've never had a problem with anyone there. I've seen cars go up there but I wouldn't risk it. The road is getting worse. Not a far hike from where the road starts.